Delaware Naturalistas

Shelly's Hair Journey

2012-02-10T08:21:00.001-05:00

Shelly is a frequent contributor to the deNaturalistas's Facebook page who recently started her own YouTube channel! Check out her first video, which talks about her hair journey...

My Natural Beauty

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Delaware based videograpeher, Blake Saunders, is working on a video series, "My Natural Beauty". Check out the first video in the series!

Best of the deN: Curls, Curls, Curls

2012-02-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Curlformers, Twist-outs, and Rod Sets, OH MY!

#heatlesscurls

Best of the deN: Corporate Natural Hair

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

What do you think of the "corporate natural" hairstyles? Would you like to be featured? Join our Facebook group and share your pictures!

Three days in the life of Curlformers...

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

It is no secret. We at deNaturalistas have fallen in love with Curlformers! I have 4a hair and was pleasantly surprised by the smooth results with no heat! I will admit that I struggled with the Curlformers a bit. Due to the density of my hair, next time I will style on wet instead of damp hair. It will take longer to dry, but the process should go a lot smoother.

My hair after the take down

Day 1: I decided to style my hair into an updo

The back (I pinned up the back without checking in the mirror. #mommyskills)

Day 2: High ponytail with curly bang (At night, I simply put on a bonnet. I didn't do anything special to preserve the curls.)

Day 3: High ponytail

Have you ever tried Curlformers? Did you like the results? Do you have any tips and tricks to share?

Curls Curls Curls

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

deNaturalistas founder is loving her curls. Check out how she brought out her curls using Terresentials and Culformers!

Swangin' that hair!

Have you tried Terresentials? Curlformers? What did you think?

Calling ALL Naturalistas in the Delaware Valley area! Make Your Calendars. Save The Date!

2012-01-25T16:21:00.000-05:00

Mixology 102: The Recipes

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Did you miss the Mixology 102 workshop last month? Check out the ingredients for the mixes we made!

Impromptu makeover during the break

The EXPERT Mixologists at work!

Shopping at Newark Natural Foods

Flaxseed Gel
½ cup of Flaxseed
2 cups of Boiled Water
1 Essential Oil for Scent or Need

Flaxseed Spritz
½ cup of Flaxseed
2 cups of Water
2 cups of Green Tea
1 Essential Oil for Scent or Need
¼ cup of Carrier Oil of Choice (Coconut, Olive Oil, Jojoba, Almond, Grapeseed)

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
1 cup of water
1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar

Bentonite Clay Treatment
1 cup of Bentonite Clay
½ cup of Apple Cider Vinegar
¼ cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tbsp. Honey
1 container of Chobani Yogurt

Daily Moisturizer
¼ cup of Aloe Vera Juice
½ cup of Coconut Water
¼ Vegetable Glycerin
2 tablespoons each of two carrier Oils of Choice (Coconut, Olive Oil, Jojoba, Almond, Grapeseed)
10 drops of 1 Essential Oil for Scent or Need
1 tablespoon of ACV

Henna
1 package of Henna
1 cup of Green Tea
¼ cup of Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tbsp. of Honey
Two Carrier Oils of Choice (Coconut, Olive Oil, Jojoba, Almond, Grapeseed)
1 container of Chobani Yogurt or ½ cup of your favorite non-protein conditioner

Avacado-Banana Deep Conditioner
1 banana
1 soft, well-ripe avacado
2 Egg Whites
1 container of Chobani Yogurt or ½ cup of your favorite conditioner
½ cup of Mayonnaise
¼ cup of Olive Oil
2 tbsp of Honey

Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub
4 tbsp of brown sugar
2 tbsp of your favorite conditioner, yogurt or coconut milk
1 tbsp of honey

All attendees took home their own Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub

Don't miss our future events! We had such a great time!

For the full picture gallery, please visit http://denaturalistas.com.

Best of the deN: TWAs

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Each Monday, we will feature the best of the Facebook forum pics. This week we will showcase TWAs! If you've been looking for ways to rock your teeny weeny natural, check out these naturalistas!

Cravin' for Curlformers

2012-01-20T16:58:00.001-05:00

I'll admit (co-founder Tywanda here) that I wasn't initially hit with the CurlFormers bug. I watched from afar as my fellow sister naturalistas were adorning neon-colored, mesh-like worms in their hair and raving about its ability to form our natural kinky, curly and wavy tresses into satin smooth Shirley Temple curls that mildly resembled the type I use to achieve with a spiral curling iron in those 'b.n.' (before natural) days.

So I just watched. Maybe even tilted my head to the left a little while watching ya'll maneuver this crochet-needle hook looking contraption up the mesh worm's belly only to then snatch and pull your hair back through. I chalked it up as TOO. MUCH. WORK! My head hurt to watch it!

I'd stick with my wash and go's. BUT! The truth of the matter is as my hair began to grow longer ... my detangling parties started running into overtime and I was not winning.com (in my Tamara Braxton voice). I needed to find other ... dryer ... way to stretch and style my now shoulder length natural. Wash and go's can't ALWAYS be my 'go-to' style. As my business partner, Latoya, would say 'le sigh.'

So as luck or coincidence would have it, one eve while having a beauty night craving (don't act like ya'll don't do it!), I fixed the itch and found myself smack dead in the middle of Sally's with mini shopping cart in tow. I'd grabbed some Witch Hazel astringent, some Vegan hair color, the new As I Am coconut co-wash and LO AND BEHOLD, those darn neon wormies were staring me DEAD IN THE FACE. They were laughing at my wash and go ---- almost heckling my tangling strands of 3b/3c goodness.

I was feeling froggy so I leaped ----- and purchased the plastic kitten and kaboodle looking bag. Hmpft! I'll show these wormies who the boss is! I was nnneeerrrvvvouuuuss. I had at least an hours worth of work in head of me.

1. Co-washed my hair with As I Am Coconut Co-Wash <--- it's mild, you'll love it!
2. Color my hair with Vegan red hair coloring <--- looking like a red head in the sun!
3. Deep Condition my hair with Oyin's Honey Hemp Conditioner <--- I left it in, that's optional
4. Spray Oyin's Berry Leave In Conditioner <---- I <3 leave in's as moisturizers
5. Detangle <--- the 1st key to successful 'worming' or CurlFormer technique
6. START WORMING!!!

don't I look nervous?

After I got all 40 worms in my head, I wrapped it with a bonnet and went to sleep (it wasn't the best night's sleep but BEAUTY is PAIN or something like that?

Day 1

Well honey, did they SURE SHOW ME!!!! Ummm ..........why didn't ya'll tell me!!?!?! Ok ... why didn't I listen!?! I feel like that old school epic fail Rio infomercial that was turning sistas heads green and leaving them baldhead BEFORE it went belly up. I'm shaking my head full of Shirley Temple's like it just had the flyest Just For Me, Motions perm in AMERICA. The above picture with my new fly lipstick is day 1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRc56JPWJZg&sns=em

Want to see more? Watch the youtube video of my Day 2. I decided to reapply my Curlformers using my Oyin's Leave In Conditioner, Moisturizing Cream and homemade mixture of oils/butters to seal and worm my head up again! Tonight ... I'll forgo re-worming and try to preserve the curls with a satin cap. Tomorrow I plan on rocking a 'Curlformers Out' by pulling pieces of the curls apart and making it have more volume. Let's see how many days and how many ways I can rock these Curlformer curls.

Don't believe me? Watch this video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRc56JPWJZg&sns=em

Tips To Using Curlformers

1. Make sure hair is extremely wet before starting.
2. Be meticulous in detangling from tip to root and all the way through to ensure smooth curls
3. Apply products such as moisturizers, oils, a setting lotion or so to aid in smoothing and moisturizing the hair as it dries.
4. Try to get the 'needle-hook' as close to the scalp as possible and hold the Curlformer tip opening as close to the scalp to maximize length and structure of curl.
5. Allow enough time for hair to completely dry.

Me, Myself, and Lola (My Hair)

2011-12-29T10:26:00.003-05:00

Today, let's reintroduce you to Lola. In case you didn't know... Lola is my hair. And she is a piece of work, I tell ya. She looks a lot different since the last time we met. She is a lot longer. She is dense. And when she tangles... boy does she tangle. Imagine hair that is past your shoulders that can shrivel up to one inch of hair. Le sigh.

For the last few months, I've been struggling with some serious pregnancy fatigue. At first, I thought it was motherhood taking it's toll... but as it subsides, I realize that it was actually pregnancy fatigue. I would literally give Mariah her 8:00 bottle and fall asleep right along with her. So, pregnancy fatigue, coupled with a growing baby who always seemed to catch some new germ at day care, and whose needs change by the day....just didn't leave much time for my hair.

So, I'll admit it. I've seriously neglected my hair. I only wash my hair every two weeks. (It's officially part of my new regimen...) I opted for easy fixes involving a spray bottle, leave-in and oil. I've let my hair tangle as long as it "looked" good. And now, I need to pull out the scissors to cut out all those knots. [Insert kanye shrug]. I plan on cutting about 3/4 inch of hair, which is only about 1/4 inch more than usual. It will grow back and for the most part it's healthy so I consider myself lucky.

My biggest struggle right now is getting my hair to dry during the winter. My hair takes a very long time to dry and my breaking point was when I arrived at work on Monday and my hair was still wet in the back. To add insult to injury, it was FREEZING in my office. So, from now on, I plan on either sitting under the dryer or pulling out the hair dryer. The "no heat" naturals can go ahead and cringe. I used to straighten my hair every 1-2 months and my hair still curls back to it's original state. I'm learning that no matter what the so-called "natural hair rules" are, I have to do what works for me and my lifestyle. I have no desire to have waist length hair anyway. I have about one more year...maybe 1 1/2 years of hair growing and then I'm pulling out the scissors. (Ok. Ok. I'll try to blow dry on cool and pull out my new set of curlformers, but I'm still cutting soon.)

What are your hair struggles this winter?

The 411 on Biotin for Healthy Hair by Tanya Walters

2011-11-13T19:54:00.000-05:00

We at deNaturalistas LOVE to get a guest blog post from one of our favorite deNaturalistas and reknown sister loctitianm, Tanya Walters, of BeautiLocs by Tanya. Enjoy her insight on the benefits of taking Biotin as a supplement. Take it away Tanya! :

Oftentimes, clients come to me with hair growth issues. The reasons are many … sometimes they are growing out relaxers, sometimes medication has taken their hair out, sometimes they have (or someone else has) unintentionally damaged their hair, and sometimes it is the result of poor nutrition.

As we all know, the food we eat provides us with vitamins which keep us healthy. Therefore, the diet you follow plays a very important role in keeping your hair in good condition. If you do not receive all the vitamins you need with your daily food intake, you may begin experiencing hair problems. Sometimes, those who eat a good balance of vitamins have other health issues that can hamper the distribution of vitamins in your body, which may result in your body not being able to absorb nutrients properly. So review your food regimen with a health care professional before actually using any specific supplement to promote hair growth. There are many vitamin supplements available on the market that you can use to get the proper amount of vitamins every day. Taking vitamins in larger quantities than needed may also have negative effects on your health.

Biotin, a member of the B-vitamin family, is a naturally occurring substance found in the body. Its purpose is to strengthen muscles, bones, tissues hair and other cells. So this helps to keep your hair thick, healthy and of course, maintain its’ growth. The relationship between biotin and hair loss is being studied as a way of regenerating thinning, weak or brittle hair in men and in women.

You must get enough biotin in your daily intake to prevent hair loss and to increase the growth of new hair. If you are experiencing thinning hair, make sure your nutritional intake includes liver, sardines, salmon, egg yolks, and beer yeast. Plant sources of biotin are cauliflower, bananas, carrots, beans and mushrooms. Foods rich in biotin and/or biotin supplements may be just what you need to restore your hair.

Disclaimer: It is advisable to consult a physician before starting a vitamin supplement program.

Tanya Walters RN is a certified Sisterlocks Consultant located in the Bear, Delaware area. Visit her online at www.locjewls.com, sisterlocs@comcast.net or by phone at (302) 981-6580.

I DECLARE Healthy Hair... Find A Hair Twin

2011-10-23T21:00:00.001-04:00

Early in your journey, it is very easy to get inundated by information. There is YouTube, blogs, tumblr, and of course... deNaturalistas! Everyone talks about the new IT product, the new IT styling technique...and you find yourself aimlessly running to the store or in your bathroom trying something "new" out. I don't know about you. But early in my journey, my head was spinning. I didn't even know a tenth of what I know now about hair typing. So it was very difficult to differentiate between the products and techniques that would work for me.

Today, I can tell whether or not something will work for me... no matter the hair type of the person recommending the product. But early in my journey, I was totally lost. And before I became well versed on everything hair, I tried a little trick that I'm about to let you in on...

I found a hair twin! I found someone who not only had hair that visually was similar to mine, but when they described their hair it sounded like mine too. And if something worked for them, then it would probably work for me too!

My hair twins are Safiya a.k.a. bronzeqt and Nikkiemae.

Who is your hair twin? How has she helped you learn about may or may not work for your hair?

Did You Miss the "A Natural Hair Love Affair" event? Don't Fret! Watch Here!

2011-10-21T21:07:00.000-04:00

I Declare Healthy Hair Challenge: Finding Products For Your Hair

2011-10-16T21:56:00.001-04:00

Early in my journey, I found myself aimlessly trying products. A product would be all the rave on YouTube, I ran to the store. I loved someones results, I picked up every product they listed. (Even if they clearly stated that they just used what they had... and showed no affinity to the product.) Soon, I had a cabinet full of products that I didn't like, barely used, and hated the results. It was then that I back tracked and learned to assess my hair's needs.

Your natural hair journey is very a personal, and individualized experience. Since no two heads are alike, each person's hair journey will involve some trial and error. But thanks to the week one challenge, you are already one step ahead. During week one, all of the naturalistas took the time to assess their hair. You learned about your texture, curl pattern, porosity, density, and elasticity. Now that you have a better understanding of your hair's needs, you are better equipped to find products to fill in the gaps of your hair regimen.

Here are some tips to help you find products for your hair:

(1) Assess your hair and research products to address those particular needs. For example, if you are having problems sealing your ends, then consider various butters and oils to address that problem.

(2) Read the labels of the products you currently own. Which of your products do you love? Which products do yo you hate? What are the first five ingredients of these products? Equipped with this knowledge, you can learn which products to give a try and which ones to avoid.

(3) If a product you own doesn't work for you, try an alternative use or adjust to meet your needs. Search a product on YouTube, you will often find alternative uses. I tried SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque. As a conditioner, it doesn't have a lot of slip so I normally add a cheapie conditioner and/or coconut oil for detangling. I LOVE it even more as a daily moisturizer.

(4)Find your hair twin. Why should you subject yourself to ALL the trial and error? Find someone on YouTube, a blog, and/or in person who has hair that is similar to yours. And I'm not just talking about visually similar to yours. Consider how they describe their hair type including all aspects of hair typing.

(5) Be an informed consumer. Learn the benefits and the expected results of certain ingredients.

*** As you try new products this week, Nassie's Hope, LLC by Stacy Brown is offering a 15% discount! Stacy is an active member of the Delaware Naturalistas facebook group. At "A Natural Hair Love Affair", she was not only a vendor but also led the Mixology 101 workshop. Her etsy shop features all natural hair, skin, and skin products. All natural essential oil, witch hazel, vegetable wax, oils. Economically priced items what will heal and soothe your mind, body, and spirit.

Do you have any additional advice for those on a search for products?

The 411 on Sisterlocks by our resident Sister Loctician Tanya Walters

2011-10-16T20:28:00.000-04:00

We were pleased to open our inbox and get a guest blog from our very own Tanya Walters, a registered nurse and our resident Sister Loctician at deNaturalistas. For all those interested in Sisterlocks, you'll enjoy this read. If you're interested in getting Sisterlocks and are in the area, set up a consultation with Tanya Walters by visiting her online at http://www.locjewls.com/

Recently, our resident SisterloctitianThe 411 on Sisterlocks ™

Have you noticed sisters walking around with very tiny, bouncing locs? Perhaps you thought they were tiny plaits or even micro-braids, when in fact, what you were looking at were Sisterlocks. These tiny locs are a growing movement in the African American community as more and more women of color embrace the natural texture of their hair.

Sisterlocks™ is a trademark company founded in 1993 by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell. Out of her desire to contribute to our culture, she developed an innovative natural hair care system that is now well known amongst African American women internationally. Dr. Cornwell, who is an Associate Professor of Africana Studies and French at San Diego State University, invites women who are interested in self-empowerment and cultural self-expression, to embrace a natural hair care system that is self-affirming and truly gorgeous. The company motto says it all: “Sisterlocks is not about a hairstyle, it’s about a lifestyle.”

Sisterlocks™ is a gentle technique that requires no chemicals, no excessive tightening, and causes no damaging abrasion to the hair or scalp. You will find that with regular care, your locks will grow and grow, and your styling options will increase. Sisterlocks™ is a lot less limiting than extensions because it is your natural hair. You can curl it, braid it, wear a ponytail, cut it, spray or mousse it, wear bangs and parts - You name it!

Coarse, thick, 'nappy' hair is best for Sisterlocks™. Your natural abundant texture adds body and makes styling easier. For sisters with ‘looser’ textured hair, though the transition will take more time, Sisterlocks are an option for you too. Your hair care professional who is trained in the Sisterlocks™ technique can help you make that transition. Your styling options will increase as your natural texture grows out.

To learn more about Sisterlocks™, visit the corporate website at www.Sisterlocks.com.

Safiya invites her viewers to join the I Declare Healthy Hair Challenge with the deNaturalistas

2011-10-11T10:50:00.000-04:00

I Declare Healthy Hair Challenge: Week 1

2011-10-10T21:58:00.000-04:00

As I write this, I'm watching The Sing Off on NBC and sitting with a three-shopping-bagged-secured head full of homemade deep conditioner. It consists of the following: avacodo, banana, mayonaisse, honey, yogurt, apple cider vinegar and a host of carrier oils (olive, almond, apricot, sunflower and coconut). We're working on hour two of the deep conditioner. Today is Week 1, Day 1 of the I Declare Healthy Hair Challenge presented by the deNaturalistas. I'm working on bottle four of spring water, I popped three hair pills this morning, actually took the time to cook dinner at home (pan-seared sesame seed tuna, whole wheat noodles and asparagus) <--- oh yeah, the girl is BAD! AND swear I'm going to fit in a 30-minute quick Exercise TV workout before I rinse this conditioner out. Shewwww ---- OK, I digress!

Each week with the I.D.H.H.C. we will introduce a new component to fundamentally focus on, so that the challenge stays interesting. So atop all 11 official I DECLARE rules to stay in good challenge grace, Week 1 is dedicated to: UNDERSTANDING YOUR HAIR! To help with this our very own Nicole Scarborough, founder and owner of Get Twysted, a natural hair salon in New Castle, Delaware has graciously decided to offer all deNaturalistas a $10.00 hair consultation AND 10% off a hair appointment booked after the consultation. Visit http://www.justbraidsbynicole.com/ for more info or call (302) 419-7128.

In order to Understand Your Hair, we'd like for you to REALLY take the time to get to know your hair tresses intimately. For those of you who hide your natural under weaves or only allow your personal hair stylist to touch your coife, this may be a little difficult. That's why this is a challenge ... it won't be EASY.

Learn the following things about your hair:

1. What is your hair texture? (fine, medium or coarse)

Hair texture is the measure of the circumference of the hair strand itself. Professionals classify the texture of hair as being "coarse", "fine", or "medium". Coarse hair has the largest circumference, and fine hair has the smallest. Medium texture indicates a middle-range of the size of the hair shaft, it's considered normal and poses no special considerations regarding processing and chemical services. Coarse hair is stronger, for obvious reasons - it has more substance. However, coarse hair can also be harder to process, and can be resistant to haircoloring services, perming, and straightening. Fine hair, conversely, is often very easy to process, and can be over-processed easily and is susceptible to damage from chemical services.
Hair texture varies from individual to individual, and can be different in separate areas of the same head. You may have coarse hair on the top of the head and fine hair at the nape of the neck. Race and ethnicity are irrelevant in determining hair texture, as coarse, medium and fine hair can be found among all racial and ethnic groups.

2. What is your hair wave pattern or type? (straight, wavy, curly or kinky)

Type 1a - Straight (Fine/Thin) - Hair tends to be very Soft, Shiny, difficult to hold a curl, hair also tends to be oily, and difficult to damage.
Type 1b - Straight (Medium) - Hair has lots of volume & body.
Type 1c - Straight (Coarse) - Hair is normally bone straight and difficult to Curl. Asian women usually fall into this category.
Type 2a - Wavy (Fine/Thin) - Hair has a definite "S" pattern. Normally can accomplish various styles.
Type 2b - Wavy (Medium) - Hair tends to be frizzy, and a little resistant to styling.

Type 2c - Wavy (Coarse) - Hair is also resistant to styling and normally very frizzy;tends to have thicker waves.
Type 3a - Curly (Loose Curls) - Hair tends to have a combination texture. It can be thick & full with lots of body, with a definite "S" pattern. It aslo tends to be frizzy.
Type 3b - Curly (Tight Curls) - Also tends to have a combination texture, with a medium amount of curl.
Type 4a - Kinky (Soft) - Hair tends to be very Fragile, tightly coiled, and has a more defined curly pattern.
Type 4b - Kinky (Wiry) - Also very fragile and tightly coiled; however with a less defined curly pattern -has more of a "Z" pattern shape.

3. What is your hair density? (thin, medium or thick)

Hair density is the amount of hair strands on the head. Generally, it is measured by counting the number of hair strands found in one square inch (2.5cm) of scalp. When a stylist tells you that you have thick hair, it is high density he/she is describing. Generally, the classifications of hair density are thin, medium, and thick, and are unrelated to the texture of the hair. The average head has approximately 2,200 strands of hair per square inch, and a total of approximately 100,000 hairs. The main consideration of hair density is in styling. Thick hair is well suited to layered styles, while thin hair is often better suited to more blunt styles. People with thin hair often prefer styles with added curl to give an illusion of more hair. While there is not a true ethnic or racial determiner of hair density, it has been found that blondes tend to have the greatest hair density, while redheads have the lowest.

4. What is your hair porosity? (low, medium, high)

Porosity is the measure of the hair's ability to absorb moisture. This is determined by the condition of the hair's cuticle layer (the overlapping scales of the hair shaft), and is rated as low, normal, and high. In normal, healthy hair, the cuticle is compact and inhibits the penetration of the hair shaft by moisture - both moisture going in, and moisture coming out. When the cuticle is overly compact and prevents the penetration of the hair by moisture it has low porosity. Hair with low porosity is harder to process, and is resistant to haircolor and perms. Low porosity hair must usually be softened prior to other chemical services. Hair with high porosity is hair whose cuticle layer is open and the hair too-readily absorbs moisture. Overly-porous hair also releases moisture easily and becomes dry and is easily damaged. Acid-balanced conditioning treatments are used to contract the cuticle layer and lock-in moisture on overly-porous hair. Extreme caution must be used when performing chemical services on overly porous hair to prevent damage. Haircolor will take much more quickly and strongly in overly porous hair (and semi-permanent and demi-permanent haircolors will fade much more quickly). Perms and straighteners will process much faster in high-porosity hair as well. To determine the porosity of your hair, simply feel it - both when wet and when dry. If the hair feels straw-like and rough when dry, or if it feels gummy or slightly rubbery when wet, then you probably have a problem with overly porous hair.

5. What is your hair elasticity? (low, normal, high)

The hair's elasticity is the measure of how much the hair will stretch (and return to a normal state). Healthy hair, when wet, will stretch up to 50% of its original length and return to its normal shape without breaking, while dry hair will only stretch about 20%. Elasticity is rated as being low, normal, or high. Hair's elasticity comes from the side bonds in the hair shaft. Hair with normal and high elasticity is easily styled with wet-roller sets, thermal styling tools, etc., while hair with low elasticity may prove hard to curl, or lose its curl quickly. To test the elasticity of your hair, you need to select strands of hair from four different areas on the head. Be sure the hair is wet. Hold the strand securely and stretch the hair. If the hair stretches and returns to its original length when released, then it has good elasticity. If the hair breaks or doesn't return to its former shape, you have low elasticity. Hair with low elasticity is highly susceptible to breakage, will be hard to curl, and will not perm well.

The source of a portion of the above information regarding Understanding Your Hair is http://www.hairfinder.com/

deNATURALISTAS presents: I DECLARE HEALTHY HAIR CHALLENGE

2011-10-10T02:23:00.001-04:00

CALLING ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL Naturalistas!

Join Tywanda Howie and Latoya Watson, founders of deNaturalistas as they present, "I DECLARE HEALTHY HAIR CHALLENGE" that begins today, Monday, October 10, 2011 and runs until December 31, 2011.

The deNaturalistas are challenging the natural hair community to join them in its quest to achieve healthy hair from October 10, 2011 to December 31, 2011. The following is a GUIDELINE to personally assist you in attaining your individual hair goals. This document does not have to be followed religiously, but may be used as a helpful toolkit to accompany your journey! If you have any current chronic medical conditions, please consult a doctor before making adaptations to your regular diet and exercise routine. Each week a new component will be added to the challenge with a few mini-natural hair meet-ups along the journey. Find us at www.denaturalistas.com, follow us on Twitter @denaturalistas or join our group on FB at Delaware Naturalistas: Embracing Kinks, Locs and Curls to stay updated!

1. I declare that I will trim the ends of my hair to rid split ends, heat damage, knots, etc. during the first week and last week of the challenge.

2. I declare that I will take a hair vitamin supplement each day that includes a majority of the following ingredients:

· Biotin

· Copper

· Folic Acid

· Inositol

· Iron

· Niacin (B3)

· Pantothenic Acid (B5)

· Riboflavin (B2)

· Thiamin (B1)

· Vitamin A

· Vitamin B6

· Vitamin B12

· Vitamin C

· Vitamin D

· Vitamin E

· Zinc

3. I declare that I will not put any heat on my hair unless during the deep-conditioning process with a heating cap, heated towel, hooded dryer or Huetiful Steamer.

4. I declare that I will create a detailed hair regimen that includes the following:

· A pre-cleansing (a.k.a. pre-poo) treatment

· A sulfate-free shampoo

· A protein conditioner

· A leave-in conditioner

· A water-based moisturizer to hydrate daily

· An oil & butter-based moisturizer to seal daily

5. I declare that I will not use any products that include the following ingredients:

· Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate

· Mineral Oil

· Petroleum Jelly

· Cones (any ingredients ending with the suffix -cone)

· Parabens (any ingredients ending with the suffix -paraben)

· Isopropyl Alcohol

· Propylene Glycol and Polyethylene Glycol

6. I declare that I will protect my hair nightly by sleeping with a satin scarf, cap or pillowcase.

7. I declare that I will drink a minimum of eight (8 ounce) cups of water per day.

8. I declare that I will exercise a minimum of 3 to 5 times per week for at least 30 consecutive minutes.

9. I declare that I will eat a minimum of 5 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables per day with at least 3 servings being vegetables. I will also focus on the following hair super foods:

· Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, cabbage, collard greens)

· Carrots

· Fruits (apples, bananas, melons, berries and oranges)

· Eggs or Egg Whites

· Short-Grain Brown Rice

· Meats (chicken, turkey, beef, liver and salmon)

· Cheese

· Nuts (walnuts, almonds, brazil nuts)

· Legumes (kidney beans, lentils, black-eyed peas, lima beans, etc.)

· Low-fat Dairy Products (yogurt, milk, cottage cheese)

10. I declare to use cautious, healthy hair maintenance techniques:

· After conditioning, I will rinse my hair with cold-water ONLY.

· I will dry my hair with a cotton T-shirt instead of a towel using minimal friction.

· I will detangle my hair in its wet state only using a large-tooth comb or a Denman brush while in the shower or with a conditioner that has slip.

· I will not do wash or shake-and-go's.

· I will not use any man-made chemicals to alter the natural state of my hair like relaxers, perms, texturizers or hair coloring.

· I will style my hair in low-maintenance protective hair styles that protect my hair follicles ESPECIALLY my ends such as coils, two-strand twists, etc

· I will not get hair extensions such as micros, kinky twists, weaves or other styles where additional hair is added and causes stress and tension on my hair follicles. I will opt for a wig if necessary.

11. I declare that I LOVE and BELIEVE in myself and my abilities. I will try my hardest to live a more healthy, holistic lifestyle that will allow me to live long and strong with nothing wrong because I AM worth it! If I ever doubt my ability I know that Philippians 4:13 states that, "I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Effects of Bentonite Clay Treatment

2011-10-06T12:08:00.001-04:00

This is my natural curl pattern with only leave-in conditioner in my hair

A lot of people wonder what the loosening effects of Bentonite Clay and similar treatments will be. For me, it defined my curls and slightly loosened my curls for easier detangling. If you have "4"/kinky hair, don't expect to have a new curl type. If you have "3"/curly hair, please beware that it may loosen your hair more than you wish. I am pretty happy with the results. I no longer have issues with matting. As a comparison, check ou the first time I used Bentonite Clay.

A Natural Hair Love Affair

2011-09-27T13:42:00.002-04:00

What do you think? Do you think you will be at to our next event?!

Misikko Hana Flat Iron Review (Part 2)

2011-09-22T18:51:00.000-04:00

August 2011

As promised in part 1, here is part 2 of my Hana flat iron review. I have to say that I was pretty pleased with the flat iron results. (Please note that I used a creamy leave-in to help with detangling since I was wearing wash 'n gos the week prior so my hair was a bit fluffier than usual.) To sum up the difference

between my old flat iron and the Hana Flat iron, it: (1) had a lot of movement (2) did not make me worry that my hair wouldn't revert. I'm going to have to follow up with results when I use an appropriate leave-in for straightening...but so far so good.

January 2011

February 2011

May 2011

Misikko Hana Flat Iron Review (Part 1)

2011-09-20T01:36:00.002-04:00

Recently, Brian from http://misikko.com contacted me to ask whether I would like to do a review of the Hana flat iron. For quite some time, I've wanted to replace my current flat iron. I've been researching both low end and high end flat irons, but uncertainty about whether high end flat irons were worth the money stopped me from making the plunge. I could barely contain my excitement when I found out that I could try one of these esteemed flat irons.

So that I can provide a thorough review, I am doing a two part review... just in time for straight hair weather (for those who heat straighten). I will first cover properties of a good flat iron (part 1) and then I will reveal the results (part 2).

I received the Hana Professional Flat Iron 1", which is on miskko.com's list of best flat irons as recommended by stylists and customers.

This (points above) is a closeup of the plates of my current flat iron. I've had it for about four years now. Because it is ceramic over metal plates, you can see that the ceramic is scraping away. This allows for uneven heat distribution b.k.a. singed hair. It obviously needs to be replaced.

My current flat iron is only 1" long and has a velvety fabric on it. This is not ideal for curling hair. But I made it work. Also, the dial is a bane to my existence. The heat dial list numbers in 5 point intervals. I assumed that when my flat iron was at 35, that it was 350 degrees. WRONG! When I checked the chart on the box at the store, it was actually 425 degrees.

In my search for a better flat iron, I was specifically on the search for a digital flat iron. Although the Hana flat iron has a dial, it has a cover over the dial so that you won't accidentally flick it. It utilizes flash heat, which change the heat settings quickly (with a flash as the heat changes). The heat is consistent. It also lists the actual degrees on the dial. Initially, I was disappointed by the dial...but as I used it, I didn't encounter the issues I had with the dial on my flat iron.

The Hana flat iron came in its own case plus tons of goodies. The most important accessory that was included was a flat iron case. I never thought about it before, but I probably shouldn't have thrown my flat iron under my sink without any protection against nicks and cuts.

I'm not going to totally diss my old flat iron though. In fact, it's done a pretty good job over the years. (Although it did singe my hair a couple of times.) But on sight alone, I could tell that I was in for an upgraded flat iron exprerience with the Hana flat iron.

*If you want to learn more about features to look for in a good flat iron and how I straighten my hair, check out my previous post on flat irons.

Natural Hair NO-NO's

2011-09-14T00:16:00.000-04:00

Warning! After becoming enlightened about the following information ... your next trip to the beauty hair supply store will be a quite an experience. Here's hoping you aren't left like me ... scouring the aisles hopelessly turning over bottle after bottle and container after container in hopes that your favorite tried-and-true go-to products will make the cut! A moment of silence for Motions and Optimum Care --- my pre-natural hair product line must-haves. They didn't make the cut!

You know the saying, everything that glitters ain't gold ... please know that every naturally, certified organic product is not always telling the black and white truth .... it may lie somewhere in a shade of gray. And just because it looks 'natural-like' or has some natural oils in it, doesn't mean as a complete product, it is great for your hair.

Here are the MAIN Ingredients to Avoid In Hair Care Products:

Mineral Oil & Petroleum: It coats the hair like plastic wrap with an and just lays there. While it gives the hair the look of being shiny and lustrious it has no nutritional value. It disrupts the natural hair barrier and prevents the scalp from breathing and hair follicles from absorbing moisture or any other nutritional ingredients applied to the hair on top of it. Say no to hair grease
Propylene Glycol & Polyethylene Glycol: Used as a wetting agent, this toxic chemical breaks down the protein found in hair and skin cellular structure basically stripping and weakening the hair follicles which could result in both the weakening of hair follices and major breakage!
Parabens: A class of chemicals widely used as preservatives in hair products. They have become extremely controversial because they have been found in breast cancer tumors. Common parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.
Cones: Mainly silicone or any other chemical that ends in the suffix cone (there are a lot). In general, silicones work by covering hair with a thin coating that helps reduce the porosity of the hair which makes it less likely to absorb humidity; it helps reduce moisture loss from the inside of the hair; and it lubricates the surface of the hair so it feel smoother and combs easier. The problem with cones is that they aren't water-soluble and can't be removed by co-washing OR a non-sulfate shampoo. Most naturals don't use sulfate shampoos or shampoos at all because of how they dry the hair out. So the result is cones cause product build-up on your hair which then clogs the hair shaft and blocks out moisture. Some naturals still use 'cones, but definitely clarify or use a sulfate-shampoo.
Isopropyl Alcohol: A poisonous substance that has the ability to change other substances natural properties. It will dry your hair out and break it off. It is often found in hair dye rinses.
Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate: A major ingredient in about 90% of shampoos that cause it to foam. They can enter the blood stream and may cause potentially carcinogenic formations of nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos and cleansers by reacting with other product ingredients. Sulfates are known to be very drying to hair.
Fragrance: Many of the compounds in fragrance are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic. The ingredient fragrance on a product label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Opt for a pure essential oil instead!

So now you're thinking the next trip to the beauty store is going to be extremely daunting. Here's the thing, take it one step at a time. As you continue to look for these items on product labels you begin the process of elimination. Pretty soon, you'll identify certain products that don't include the forementioned ingredients and they will become your new FAVS. A great rule of thumb is to ALWAYS look for natural ingredients and products that have things such as: water, aloe vera juice, carrier oils (coconut, olive, argan, jojoba, grapeseed, almond), butters (shea, mango) and essential oils. The closer the ingredient is to the top of the ingredient list, the larger the dosage of that ingredient included in the mix. If the "natural" ingredients are all the way at the bottom of the list and a bunch of "no-no" junk is listed high, there effectiveness is slim to none!

Happy Product Shopping!

Huetiful Blogger Teleconference

2011-09-12T01:19:00.001-04:00

Recently, Tywanda and I had the honor of being invited to a blogger teleconference with the President & Founder of Huetiful, Ken Burkeen. As a recovering product junkie, I really wanted to learn what all the hype was all about. My new mantra is to make sure that all of my future purchases are based upon informed decision making. I am happy to say that I ended the call well-informed and itching to buy one for myself.

When you are thirsty you don't drink oil, you drink water

A key challenge of those with kinky hair is ...moisture. And as Ken mentioned during the teleconference, the key to moisture is water. When you are thirsty you don't drink oil, you drink WATER. The Huetiful steamer presents itself as the answer to this problem. As part of the teleconference, each blogger had the opportunity to ask Ken a question. And my question was essentially to get the answer... Why Huetiful?

I asked, "What is the difference between steaming with rags under a dryer, steaming in the shower (my steaming method of choice), and steaming under a steamer?" His answer was focused on effectiveness. Of the three options, steaming under a dryer with rags is least effective, because of the dry heat. Steaming in the shower is bit more effective, but it lacks concentration. According to Ken, Huetiful delivers the concentration that steaming under a dryer or in the shower cannot provide.

There is a second key distinction he noted about the huetiful streamer. It is the option for "ozonized steam". This feature neutralizes bacteria that forms on the scalp...which leads to dry, itchy scalp. And it is this distinction that sets it apart from other steamers on the market.

During the call, he also mentioned the great benefits of moringa oil, which Tywanda recently blogged about. Check it out!

All in all, the call was very informative. I really love my hair's results after steaming in the shower so I'm very curious to see the benefits of Huetiful. )There is a money back guarantee since he stands behind his product....and he DOES have to face his clients at major hair shows. So his goal is quality.)

After hearing more about Huetiful, does it make you want to try it as well?

deN Diva Spotlight: Asha

2011-09-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Name: Asha

What is your hair's name? (If it has one)

Never thought to name my hair.

How long have you been natural? (If applicable, please include transition and big chop dates)

I've been natural for 6 years. I first chopped off my hair around january 2005. I started loc'ing it March 1, 2005.

Describe your hair

Soft textured curls and fuzzy all the time.

What is your current hair regimen?

Every day I spray my hair with water and oil my scalp and my hair when i'm in between grooming times (re-twisting). In the summer time I dont twist as often and when I do need to go out I just redo the around the edges or brush it back into a pony tail or a pomp and basket weave.

What are five products you can't live without?

Tea trea/olive oil, nu ade hair oil, essential shea butter, devu curl low poo shampoo and conditoner, nubian kinks apple hair oil.

What is the one product/treatment/technique that has made the biggest difference in your hair?

Nu Ade hair oil. My scalp is much better with it and i dont have an itchy scalp anymore

What is the biggest mistake you have made with your hair?

I was trying a new style and ran out of stuff to twist and curl it with so I decided to use kinky curly gel. It litterally took apart my locs. The were soft and coming apart, like shredding. It was horrible and it had so much build up. I had to wash my hair repeatedly and do a series of steam treatments to get it back to normal over a period of months.

Any advice for other naturalistas?

Keep it simple. Dont overdo the amount of different products you use in your hair. Especially with locs. Because with locs, these products leave even a little bit of residue and after a while your hair will be cakey and smell, no matter how much you wash, etc.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?

Not yet.

deN Diva Spotlight:Brittney

2011-09-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

Name: Brittney

How long have you been natural? (If applicable, please include transition and big chop dates)

I've been going natural for about 7 months now. When I decided to go natural it was around February 2011. I started wearing sew-ins to make my transition easier. In July I had ALOT of new growth but the front of my hair was damaged from using glue from time to time and not keeping my hair moisturized. On 8/13/2011 I decided to do the Big Chop and it was such a liberating and uplifting experience!

Describe your hair

My hair is very tightly coiled curly hair. I colored my hair so I have to keep it moisturized. My natural color is a very dark brown/ black but it's an auburn color now.

What is your current hair regimen?

I am still learning what hair regimen works best for my hair. But so far I shampoo my hair once every other week ( i use giovonni and shea moisture kit for dry damaged hair)and co wash my hair once a week. I use a moisturizer daily in my hair (Shea moisture, jojoba oil, Shea butter). To pull my natural curl out I use Shea moisture curl hair smoothie and ecostyler aloe Vera gel for hold.

What are five products you can't live without?

5 products I couldn't live without are ALL SHEA MOISTURE PRODUCTS (their hair smoothie especially) African Shea Butter, Jamaican lime locking gel ( great for hold),Jojoba oil, olive oil hair pudding, and that's about all I use on a frequent basis.

What is the one product/treatment/technique that has made the biggest difference in your hair?

1 product that made a difference in my hair was the SheaMoisture hair smoothie. My hair sucks up moisture especially because I have color in my hair. Since I started using the smoothie my hair stays hydrated and moisturized all day. Plus, it gets my hair to curl.

The biggest difference in my hair is the curl. I've been getting perms since I was 7 years old so I never really knew what my natural hair looked like. I always wanted some kind of curl in my hair and never new my natural hair was capable of doing so. Also my hair is the healthiest it's ever been and I'm still in the beginners stage. My hair is so soft now too.

What is the biggest mistake you have made with your hair?
The biggest mistake I made with my hair was perming it. I got perms on a regular basis ( once every other month and touch ups when needed). Also, my edges and very fragile so glue of any kind killed the front of my hair. Perms made my hair look thin so from time to time I'd add a few glue pieces to make it look fuller (HUGE No No).

Any advice for other naturalistas?

My advice to other naturalistas especially those just starting, is to not give up. Embrace whatever it is God gave you. Also, do it for you and no one else. Every person’s hair is different so take ADVICE and EDUCATE yourself but find what works best for your hair. Lastly, embrace the journey because there will be times when you want to give up but there is so much help and support out there that you can get through it. YOUR NOT ALONE!

Natural Afro Hair for Weave vs. European/Indian Hair

2011-09-07T22:51:00.000-04:00

deN Diva Styles: Stephanie Dawkins

2011-09-06T10:23:00.000-04:00

Before Styling: I washed my hair with Carol's Daughter Tui Shampoo (I love the smell of it) and really massaged it into my head. I usually rush with my hair but since being apart of the group I have realized I am missing out on the fun of hair care! After rinsing my hair I used a deep conditioner and let that sit for about 10 minutes. I rinsed it and sprayed Carol's Daughter Tui Leave in conditioner and let it air dry.

Preparation for Styling: As it was air drying I began to part it into sections of how I much hair I wanted to be allotted in each section for the style. I have a patch of hair in the back of my hair that I am working on growing out and catching it up to speed with the rest of my hair so I don't like to wear that part out much. I cornrowed the back all to my left side. I am one who MUST have straight parts so as suggested by a group member I sat in between two mirrors (where's my kid sister when I need her?!) to help me accomplished the straightest parts possible. As the hair was still drying I applied Carol's Daughter oil on my hair.

The Style: I began to part each cornrow starting from the back and applied a tiny bit of eco styler gel as I braided it. After (what seemed like hours) cornrowing my hair I then began twisting the top. When I twist my hair, even without perm sometimes my ends can be straight so I applied rollers to them so they would look better when I took them out. I wore the style twisted for the first day. Then the next day I unraveled my twist. I put oil again on my fingertips as I unraveled my twist to give a fresh look.

After Styling: At night I retwist my hair only by spraying water on it. This morning, I woke up with freshly twisted hair and won't wear the twist out again until tomorrow.

Co-Founder Tywanda Rambles With Excitement Aboout Upcoming Event

2011-09-06T10:09:00.000-04:00

deN Diva Spotlight: Rasheda Stewart

2011-09-06T01:58:00.000-04:00

Name: Rasheda Stewart

What is your hair's name? Ha! I don’t have a name for my hair, but if I had to make one up I would say…LONG HAIR DON’T CARE! :-)

How long have you been natural? My last relaxer was in 2005. I did not do the big chop, because a big chop is not always necessary. I grew out my relaxer.

Describe your hair. My hair is naturally curly (type 3A/3B). When my hair is in its natural state it hangs a few inches past my shoulder. When my hair is straighten with a blow dryer and flat iron it hangs to almost my waist (this is the longest my hair has ever been in my life!).

What is your current hair regimen? I wash and deep condition with my hair product line Rapunzel The Future of Hair every 2-3 days when I’m natural and once a week when my hair is straighten. I also moisturize my ends daily, which is a must for our hair. I love how soft my hair feels after using my products. The shampoo and conditioner combined make the detangling process a breeze. I never felt that with any other product.

What are five products you can't live without? I do not use 5 products, so I will name the 4 that I use on a regular basis. I only use my products with the exception of a curly enhancer, because we do not have one…yet. Rapunzel’s Hydrating & Detangling Shampoo, Rapunzel’s Protein Deep Conditioner, Rapunzel’s Hair Silk and Aveda Be Curly (when I wear my hair natural).

What is the one product/treatment/technique that has made the biggest difference in your hair? Rapunzel’s Protein Deep Conditioner, because it has the 3 things our hair needs to promote natural (no wigs, weaves or braids) hair growth. Rapunzel’s Protein Deep Conditioner helps to strengthen, lubricate and stimulate hair growth.

What is the biggest mistake you have made with your hair? The biggest mistake that I made recently would have to be when I highlighted certain parts of my hair. I am a premature grey and I started dying my hair black last year. Well, I decided late in the year that I wanted to highlight my hair not knowing that the color had to lift through all the times that I dyed it black. Needless, to say I experienced some breakage, but it wasn’t too bad, because I’m constantly deep conditioning my hair and I keep it moisturized daily.

Any advice for other naturalistas? Yes, use quality products that work with your hair and be consistent with your regimen. Always check your ingredient labels. There are a number of ingredients that do not work with our dry hair and they are typically found in a lot of hair care products on the market. We at Rapunzel suggest you educate yourself in order to get the most effective and healthy products for your hair care dollars. Whether you choose to have your hair relaxed or natural, Rapunzel will help you attain and maintain the healthiest hair possible.

Is there a blog/web page where we can find you? http://www.rapunzelthefutureofhair.com/

Moringa Oil: An Oil that Makes You Go Mmmmmmm

2011-09-02T18:17:00.000-04:00

Who: Moringa Oil (a.k.a. Ben or Behen Oil)
What: One of the most nutrient-rich carrier oils in the world
Where: Derives from the Moringa Oilefera Tree found in Africa or India
When: Use it as a moisturizer for your hair after hydrating with water or any other water-based conditioner/moisturizer
Why:

It is the most stabe oil in nature and does not go rancid
It is an excellent lubricant (add to your conditioner for slip)
It is full of fatty acids (Palmitoleic, Oleic and Linoleic acids)
Rich in vitamins A, C and E
Antioxidant (curbs free radicals that cause tissue damage)
Nourishing Conditioner
A Natural Cleanser (use as a pre-poo)
Blends well with essential oils
Contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties (for scalp irritations)

The founders of Delaware Naturalistas were recently attending a teleseminar with the creator of the Huetiful Hair Steamer when he mentioned the use of the Moringa Oil in all his products. It was the first time that we had heard of this oil so we decided to do some research and present to you all. We see why he loves it. It's an amazing cleansing, healing and moisturizing oil great for both HAIR and SKIN! After doing this research, our thought is it would be great to begin utilizing Moringa Oil as a pre-poo the night before a weekly cleaning regimen, to your shampoo and then lastly after your leave-in conditioner to seal in hydration.

Get some of Be Huetiful's Conditioner with Moringa Oil by clicking here

Safiya talks about "A Natural Hair Love Affair"

2011-08-31T21:25:00.000-04:00

Safiya, of bronzeqt on Youtube, talks about "A Natural Hair Love Affair". We are excited that she will be part of our DeNaturalista Hair Panel! Check out the video and her channel!

Hair Vitamin Vixen

2011-08-31T08:13:00.000-04:00

While often times naturalistas discuss the importance of finding phenomenal products to use externally to increase the well-being of their natural coif, equally and possibly what is more important is what you consume internally. To aid in the overall health and care of your tresses, including a hair vitamin to your daily diet regimen proves to be extremely beneficial.

Above, I've displayed a picture of my go-to hair vitamin of choice. I purchase them at Trader Joe's for about $5.00. It is a MultiVitamin Mineral that supports nails, hair and skin. There are 100 tablets so it lasts me about one month (you need to take three per day).

THEE most important thing about taking vitamins is CONSISTENCY. I've read it takes AT LEAST 3 consistent months of taking any vitamin to see any true results and for it to thoroughly integrate into your body's system. So keep at it! Lastly, there are a few stellar vitamins that you want to see included in the hair vitamin that you select. They are considered the all-star vitamin supplements that BEST benefit your hair:

Vitamin A: assists in the production of natural oils (sebum) that prevent dry scalp
Vitamin B6: is a component in the creation of melanin; aids in giving hair its color
Vitamin B12: prevents hair loss
Vitamin C: an anti-oxidant; helps improve the overall health of hair
Vitamin E: improves scalp circulation which stimulates faster hair growth
Biotin: produces keratin; aids in the prevention of hair loss
Niacin (B3): improves the blood circulation (which carries oxygen) at your scalp
Inositol: keeps the cells of hair follicles healthy
Pantothenic Acid (B5): prevents graying and hair loss

For more information on the daily dosage suggested and natural foods that include these vitamins, click here.

Straightening Your Natural Hair Sans a Blow Dryer

2011-08-30T15:22:00.000-04:00

If I could, I would ... smash-up blowdryers. I was never much of a fan of them --- even BEFORE going natural. I always wrapped my freshly washed and conditioned permed hair up with a satin scarf and let it air dryer. Blow Dryers equaled FRIZZY to me!

Enter March of 2010. I had been without a perm for four months and had BC'd three months ago. I wanted to try and straighten my newly natural hair for the first time so I figured I'd blow it dry and then flat iron it. HUGE mistake. I watched in horror as my little 3-C coils exploded like fireworks into the air as I attempted to pull, tug and manipulate my natural roots to get them dry. I threw my blow dryer away on that day ---- and never looked back.

Here's a pic from August of 2010 (about three to four months of hair growth.) I was coming back from my 10-year high school reunion.

Now let's Fast Forward to August 2011. I've been growing out my natural ( I huge out in the BC style for a few extra months before I started letting it grow in) for about 14 months uninterrupted.
I was ready to straighten it. I don't straighten my hair OFTEN. Maybe once a quarter ----seasonally.

Many of you have asked me how do I straighten my natural hair ---- so here goes.

You will need the following products:
1. Trader Joe's Tingling Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
2. Giovanni Direct's Leave-In Conditioner and Leave-In Spray
3. Jojoba Oil
4. Grapeseed Oil

*Wash your hair with the shampoo and then detangle your hair from ends to root in the shower under the water stream. Afterwards add a generous amount of Giovanni's Leave-In Conditioner and Leave-In Spray into your hair. Continue to work it through and detangle by combing hair from ends to root with large tooth comb or shower comb. Finish up by two-strand twisting your hair (approximately 20-25 twists). After about two hours unravel the twists and let them continue to arrive dry for the rest of the day. At night, it's time to straighten.

You will need the following hair styling tools:

1. A flat iron (mine gets no more than 200 degrees hot)
2. A 2 inch barrel curling iron
3. Duck Pins
4. Two combs (large tooth and rat tail)
5. A satin scarf

*Now that your hair is completely dry, take a pair of a two-strand twist out and comb from end to root with the large tooth comb. After flat iron that piece from mid-point to end and then back from root all the way to end. Repeat this method until all your hair has been flat ironed. It's important not use high heat b/c with this method, I have no product on my hair except the Leave-In conditioners. Use the duck clips to secure hair after you've straightened it. When you're finish put a quarter size of both oils (grapeseed and jojoba) in your hand and distribute generously throughout your hair paying close attention to your ends. Lastly, part hair diagonally in 3-inch. sections and curl hair with the 2-inch. curling iron. Afterwards finger comb or use the large tooth comb to style hair. That night wrap with satin cap and style as intended in the morning.

VOILA!!

The end results ....

How do you straighten your hair? Try this method and let me know how it works!

Curbin' The Product Junkie In You

2011-08-30T12:29:00.000-04:00

Hey deN divas, it's Tywanda.

So I'll be the first to admit that I'm NOT a product junkie! I'm a LOYAL girl. Once I find an amazing product I will ALWAYS stick with it. Aannnddd, I also like to get up in the kitchen and make my own concoctions. I love making my own moisturizers, oils and treatments (I'll share some of those at the A Natural Hair Love Affair Event) However, I'll have to admit ... there are times when I'm very interested in 'sampling' another product I've heard RAVE reviews about. I can't help but wondering if it is me OR if every time I visit my local Target or Walgreen's I noticed that Natural Hair section of the store metastasizing in leaps and bounds. What I'm most EXCITED about for our Natural Hair Love Affair event, is the PRODUCT SWAP. Right! You're just as confused as I was. Basically, bring ALL your products to the event that you tried and HATED or feel generous enough to part with AND have the opportunity to swap it out with another product that you've been dying to get your hands on! I'm banking on somebody bringing something made by Oyin! In the meantime, I'll share some of my FAV products that I use all the time. Here they are:

For Shampoos ...

Trader Joe's Tingling Tea Tree Shampoo : I love it b/c there are no sulfates or any other natural hair no-no's in the ingredients. Can't front on the tingling sensation either.

Shea Moisture's Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo: I love this because of the shea butter and its ability to retain moisture. My hair does well with moisture once it is in it, but can dry out VERY easily.

For Conditioner's ...

Rapunzel's Protein Deep Conditioner: How MUCH do I love this product? Let me count the WAYS! #1: The creator and founder is from Delaware. #2: It completely rids dryness or any scalp issues. #3: It has loads of all-natural goodies like oils and protein. #4: The slip that it gives to the hair (great for detangling) is bar none! I could go on and on and on. But we love Rasheeda and we love her product!

BioInfusion's Rosemary Mint Conditioner: While I'm an avid Rapunzel fan, I do know that with certain natural treatments I do to my hair (henna and/or bentonite clay) utilizing a protein conditioner in addition to the treatment can be over-exposure to protein. So with that, whenever I do my henna treatments or bentonite clay treatments, I use BioInfusion in the actual mix AND afterwards as a deep conditioner. Here's a trick: I always had some honey and a few carrier oils to this conditioner.

For styling ...

Shea Moisture's Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie: This thing is like liquid gold! Ya'll know!!! I use it for my coils, my two strand twists, my flat twists, bantu-knots ... I use it on my edges and to enhance my natural curls. I use it on wet hair, dry hair. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! My hair is a sucker for coconut oil AND humectants such as vegetable glycerin and this has it in abundance.

FX Special Effects Curl Booster Fixative Gel : So we all need a good gel at some point in our lives. The problem is they always come loaded with a bunch of natural hair no-no's like alcohol, cone's etc etc. I'm in love with this BECAUSE it has none of those things in it, smells amazing and isn't overly heavy on my hair. I apply it wet and when it's dry, my curls POP! As with any gels, I always mix a little coconut or olive oil in my hand with the gel before applying to avoid the possibility of crunchiness.

Well deN divas! That's all from me. I'm definitely not a product junkie, but I am in LOVE with these staple items. A word of advice: Instead of making your wallets do back flips and trying EVERYTHING, pay attention to the ingredients in the products and how your hair responds to certain things. It becomes easier to identify what items will definitely work for you and which ones will be an epic natural fail. Don't forget to bring YOUR must-haves or hated-it products to A Natural Hair Love Affair so you can product SWAP them out ;-)

Safiya's FAQ

2011-08-29T05:30:00.000-04:00

Safiya will serve on the Delaware Naturalistas Panel at "A Natural Hair Love Affair". If you haven't purchased tickets, purchase them here! Safiya has a popular YouTube channel...bronzqt. Check it out for more great tips!

Here she answers Frequently Asked Questions. She covers topics such as her hair type and hair regimen.

Straight vs. Curly

2011-08-28T14:03:00.000-04:00

I just finished washing my hair from wearing it straight last week. To achieve the look, I straightened my hair with the Hana Professional flat iron sent it to me by Misikko.com. (Review coming tomorrow.)

I decided to provide a reference chart for what my hair likes in its straight and curly states. I figured it may be a helpful resource.

Does anyone else have any other straight vs. curly tips?

Ten Dumbest Things I've Done To My Hair (a.k.a. Ten Reasons I'm Lucky To Still Have Hair)

2011-08-24T20:48:00.000-04:00

I've said it before. My hair is resilient. The other day, I thought back to all the horrible things I've done to my hair and realized... I am REALLY lucky to still have hair. Seriously! I should be bald. Or at least have bald spots or thin hair. But despite my abuse, my hair is still as thick and luscious as it was prior to the abuse. So that you can learn from my hair mistakes, get a good laugh, and in some cases stop worrying so much about damaging your hair (permanently)...I present the TEN DUMBEST THINGS I'VE DONE TO MY HAIR.

#1 Let's start with the obvious. Shall we? (Points above.) Last week, I decided to straighten my hair. I learned about the chasing method and I just had to see how long my hair had grown. So I pulled out my blow dryer and flat iron. Now my mistake was not straightening my hair. 99% of my hair reverted to its original curl. But there is one piece who's curl is not as tight as it should be. You see....when I first turned on my flat iron, it was set to 400 degrees. When I noticed, I turned it down to 350 degrees. I walked away for about a minute. But I was impatient, passed it through my hair and realized it was still too hot. LESSON LEARNED: Don't be impatient when detangling or styling your hair with heat. If you do some damage, bring out the protein and deep conditioners. (It should be fine though. I won't lose any sleep over it.)

#2 Number two has nothing to do with me --at least not directly. (But you'll understand why this makes number 2 later.) While my mom had a relaxer in her hair, she decided to answer the phone. She chatted for who knows how long. When she finally washed it out, her hair came out in clumps. And I let my mother put a relaxer in my hair, AFTER hearing this story....

#3 When I was a little kid, my mom knew how to style my hair. Unfortunately, she used old school methods for detangling. I'll be honest. My hair was washed (maybe) every two months. And when it was washed, it involved me running away from the comb. My mom was vicious! Detangling did not involve loads of leave-in conditioners and oils, like today. We once snapped a blow dryer in half, trying to blow dry my hair. It is a miracle that my hair still grew despite it all.

#4 When I was a little kid, I loved to unravel the ends of my plaits/braid and play with the ends of my hair. When I got my first relaxer for my fifth grade graduation, the hairdresser had a hard time getting my ends straight. She looked at me, and asked, "Did you unravel the ends of your braids?!" Guilty as charged. I probably broke off quite a few strands in the process too.

#5 Remember #2? Here is where it applies. In junior high, my mom once relaxed my hair so badly that all of my roots were burnt to my scalp. [Yes, I should be bald right now.] I went to the school nurse and she looked at my like I had two heads. My solution was to treat the burns with vaseline and slowly pull my hair off my scalp over the course of a few weeks. (Yes, it was painful.) To add insult to injury, burns were part of the usual ritual. I got into the habit of searching my head and picking scabs after every relaxer. My mother and professionals alike burned me religiously until my early 20s.

#6 Imagine me... Age 12. Summer camp every weekday. Swimming every other day. Guess who didn't wash her hair when she got out the pool? ME! Guess who's hair turned red and orange? MINE! Guess who's hair broke off on the right side of her head? MINE. I had to stop relaxing that side of my hair during my eighth grade year. I cornrowed it and did a side swoop with the rest of my hair. It was finally long enough for a relaxer by eighth graduation. LESSONS LEARNED: (1)Don't put relaxers in kids' hair.(2) Don't add trauma to damaged hair. Give it time to rejuvenate.

#7 By sophomore year in college, my hair had grown pretty long...for the first time in my life. (BSL, maybe.) For seven months, I wore braids and extensions (no relaxer). Because I was working at Macy's, I decided to utilize my 20% discount at the salon. Bad idea! Not only did she burn me, but she cut my hair! My BSL hair was cut to my shoulders. I was so livid, I wanted to cry. LESSONS LEARNED: Don't be cheap with your hair.

#8 My senior year in college, I did my usual extensions to accommodate my strenuous dance schedule. When I braided my hair, I decided to try a product that bonded your braids so they wouldn't unravel. When I took out my braids, my ends were see through (my dad cut off 2-3 inches) and my hair was limp. It dried out my hair! To make matters worse, I put highlights on my damaged hair. ( I was stressed out and didn't care at that point.) It took about two years to fully grow out the damaged hair (including a bang by default). I didn't wear braids again for two years sans braid bonder.

Two years later, sans braid bonding nonsense.

My hair two years later-- in grad school. Check out that big hair!

#9 When I worked in Baltimore, I was desperate to find a hairdresser. So I looked up a Dominican salon. Ventured to other (bad) side of town. I couldn't go wrong with a Dominican relaxer and blowout, right? Wrong! Why? Because in Baltimore they believe in relaxing from root to tip. Luckily, all of my hair didn't break off. I stopped wearing relaxers for a while after that. To add insult to injury, my Dominican salon in Delaware got rude. My usual stylist refused to touch my hair. The new stylist pulled and tugged at my hair, saying "Duro, duro, malo, malo" as she proceeded to explain to a guy in the shop how she did such thick and bad hair. I told her multiple times to stop talking about me, because I understood Spanish. My hair was burning so badly that I wanted to run over to the sink and wash it out! Sigh. LESSONS LEARNED: (1) Speak up for yourself in a stylist's chair. (2) Find a stylist you trust, who alsoappreciates your hair. My stylist marvels at the thickness of my hair. (Too bad she doesn't do natural hair...sigh.)

#10 By far, the dumbest thing I've done to my hair... My trusty hair dryer for years started to fall apart (held together with electrical tape) and even started to smoke. I still used it, telling myself that I need to buy a new one. Meanwhile, my hair was feeling limp and I couldn't figure out why. It couldn't be my trusty hair dryer, could it? I've had it for years! Well, I finally figured out the source. With one pass of the hairdryer, the hair on the back, left side of my head only reached my shoulders. I stood in the mirror asking, "Where is my hair? What happened?" A week later, I was at the hairdresser...cutting off the damaged ends only 10 months before my wedding.

Luckily, I thought it was cute. I loved it so much that I planned to grow it back for the wedding and cut it all off again. And we all know what happened....hello Rihanna cut and the impetus for me to go natural. So in the end... one of the worst things I've done to my hair, was one of the best things I could have done.

Ten months later, I had enough hair for a lavish wedding updo. (Sigh of relief)

Although I've done a lot of of damaging things to my hair, I've obviously done some things rights. Otherwise, I would be bald. So next week, I will follow up with... "TEN BEST THINGS I'VE DONE FOR MY HAIR (AND DIDN'T EVEN KNOW IT")

In the meantime, what are the dumbest things you've done to your hair? Let's discuss.

Loving Lia Sophia's LaShawanda Lands Moore

2011-08-24T13:12:00.000-04:00

If there was a way to create a prototype for a Sponsor Extraordinaire we're almost certain borrowing the handbook from LaShawanda Lands Moore would might have actually written its contents. We first met LaShawanda one afternoon in the local nail palor where she complimented a pair of Lia Sophia earrings being worned. She has been a cheerleader of Delaware Naturalistas from its conception and offers her hair, her commentary and advice in our Facebook Group. In addition to being a gold sponsor and vendor of A Natural Hair Love Affair, LaShawanda Lands Moore is a transplant Delawarean who moved here from the South with her beautiful family. She's got an amazing head full of type-4 natural that she LOVES to rock in coils or two-strand twists. Aside from being a Christian, dedicated wife and mother, businesswoman and natural-diva she is a representative of Lia Sophia jewelry.

LaShawanda and ALL her fabulously chic Lia Sophia jewelry is an official sponsor and vendor for A Natural Hair Love Affair (http://www.denaturalistas.eventbrite.com/). In celebration of Delaware Naturalistas very first natural hair meetup, she has graciously offered 10 pieces of Lia Sophia jewelry as a give-away prize to 10 random naturalistas who purchase their ticket to A Natural Hair Love Affair today!!! Tickets are ONLY $20 at the early-bird price which ends at midnight tonight!

How can YOU get your hands on a piece of LaShawanda's Lia Sophia Jewelry? 1. Purchase your ticket today by visiting http://www.denaturalistas.eventbrite.com/. (You are eligible if you have purchased an early bird ticket at any point.) 2. Follow our official blog at http://www.denaturalistas.blogspot.com/ 3. Comment on THIS BLOG POST telling us the following; "What is the ONE piece of jewelry that you can't leave home without!"

Clock starts now and you've got until midnight to enter! GREAT LUCK!!!

Delaware Naturalistas Celebratory Giveaway

2011-08-23T10:20:00.000-04:00

As the excitement builds with our first upcoming natural-hair meet-up, "A Natural Hair Love Affair"; AND the launch of our new blog; AND reaching 300 group members on Facebook, we've decided it was time for a giveaway!

NATURAALLIIIIIIIISTTTASSSSSSSSSSSS!!

For the entire day, every person who purchases their tix to "A Natural Hair Love Affair" at http://www.denaturalistas.eventbrite.com/ will be entered into a random drawing to win a FREE Shea Moisture Gift Kit.

In order to be eligible, you must purchase your ticket, begin to follow our blog, comment on this entry AND tell us how you're following the blog.

Who doesn't LOVE products by Shea Moisture? Who doesn't love FREE? And who isn't hyped about Delaware's first Natural Hair Meet-Up!!! http://www.denaturalistas.com/

Contest starts now, GREAT LUCK!!!

A Braid Out Story

2011-08-20T13:48:00.000-04:00

Stories normally start at the beginning. They introduce the characters, build the plot, anti-climax, and bring the story home. But in this story, the middle is the most satiating part of the story. So let's start "in medias res". (And yes, I looked up the term.)

My hair for my first date night out with the hubby (after baby).

And here's how we got here...

I adjusted my twist out method for a braid out. For my braid out, I braided my hair and two stranded twisted the ends. I used Shea Moisture on wet hair and sealed the ends with shea butter.

I put coconut oil on my braids and took them down. What the french toast?! FAIL! Thumbs WAY down.

Whenever my curls look funny, I pull them close together. It creates a great illusion. So I separated my braids into smaller curls and pulled them into a puff using a headband. (Check out this video tutorial by bronzeqt.) I then put Carol Daughter's Some of Marguerite's Magic on the front and laid it down with a head wrap.

And voila! I got dressed and then dressed up my puff with a headband. [Refer to "In medias res"]

Day 2

Day 3 (not pictured) It shrunk and got a little frizzy so I randomly twisted large sections of my hair and sealed the ends with shea butter. The next day I moisturized with CD's Marguerite's Magic, Mimosa Hair Honey, and jojoba oil. (There was no method to my madness. I just put product on until it felt and looked right)

Day 4 - The results of my big random twists. Love!

Day 5- My hair is the frizzness. Time to redo. That night I dampened my hair, and rebraided using the original method.

Does anyone else have any braid out tips? Please feel free to share!

Dry Twistout Tutorial

2011-08-20T13:40:00.001-04:00

Here is an easy breezy Dry Twist Out tutorial:

Step One: Pre-poo hair with coconut oil

Step Two: Wash and deep condition hair (SheaMoisture Moisture Retention Shampoo and Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner)

Step Three: Add Leave-In (Giovanni Direct leave-in)

Step Four: Seal with oil (African Royale Hot Six Oil) [Has cones]

Step Five: Blow dry in sections with heat protectant (IC Straightening Serum) [ You can use grapeseed oil to avoid cones]

Step Six: Flat twist with SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque; it took about 30 minutes

Step Seven: Take down twists and style. Have some oil on your fingers to reduce frizz

That's it! Do you prefer wet or dry twistouts? I prefer wet since they last longer. (I only like to do my hair once a week.)